Geography

Chapter 2 – Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation & Wildlife Resources

1. Answer the following questions.
(i) Which are the two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation?
Answer: Two main climatic factors responsible for soil formation are Temperature and
Rainfall, wherein rainfall influences the rate of weathering and humus formation.
(ii) Write any two reasons for land degradation today.
Answer: The overuse of chemical fertilizers and deforestation are two main reasons for land
degradation. The growing population and their ever-growing demand has led to large scale
destruction of forest cover and arable land and has created a fear of losing this natural
resource.
(iii) Why is land considered an important resource?
Answer: Land is considered an important resource, because it can be put to use for various
purposes like agriculture, forestry, mining, building houses, roads and setting up of
industries.
(iv) Name any two steps that the government has taken to conserve plants and animals.
Answer: Two major steps taken by Government to protect and conserve plants, animals and
natural vegetation are:

 National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves are made to protect our
natural vegetation and wildlife.
 Awareness programmes like social forestry and tree plantation- ‘Vanamahotsava’ are
organised to conserve forests, which are a valuable natural resource.
(v) Suggest three ways to conserve water.
Answer: Three main ways to conserve water are:
a. Increasing forest cover and other vegetation to slow the surface runoff
b. Replenishing underground water through rain water harvesting
c. Reducing loss of water in irrigation and shifting to less water-intensive methods of
agriculture
2. Tick the correct answer.
(i) Which one of the following is NOT a factor of soil formation?
(a) Time
(b) Soil texture
(c) Organic matter
Answer: b. Soil Texture
(ii) Which one of the following methods is most appropriate to check soil erosion on
steep slopes?
(a) Shelterbelts
(b) Mulching
(c) Terrace cultivation
Answer: c Terrace cultivation
(iii) Which one of the following is NOT in favour of the conservation of nature?
(a) switch off the bulb when not in use
(b) close the tap immediately after using
(c) dispose poly packs after shopping
Answer: c Dispose poly packs after shopping
3. Match the following

Column A Column B

Land use prevent soil erosion

Humus narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere

Rock Dams productive use of land

Biosphere organic matter deposited on top soil

contour ploughing
Answer:

Column A Column B

Land use productive use of land

Humus organic matter deposited on top soil

Rock Dams prevent soil erosion

Biosphere narrow zone of contact between the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere
4: State whether the given statement is true or false. If true, give the reasons.
(i). Ganga–Brahmaputra plain of India is an overpopulated region.
True: River valley and plains offer suitable land for agriculture. Hence, they are densely
populated.
(ii) Water availability per person in India is declining.
True: Increasing population, increasing urbanization, the rising standards of living and the
rising demands for food and cash crops are leading to shortages in supply of fresh water. The
shortages are either due to drying up of water sources or water pollution.
(iii) Rows of trees planted in the coastal areas to check the wind movement is called
intercropping.
False: Rows of trees are planted to check the wind movement and protect soil cover. These
are called as shelterbelts.
(iv). Human interference and changes of climate can maintain the ecosystem.
False:  Climate change and human interferences can cause the loss of natural habitats, and
hence destroy the ecosystem.